New York Minute

by Melinda Dozier

  She raised her smooth eyebrows at his papers on the piano stand. “What were you doing?”

  “Composing. It’s been a while.” He lifted her chin and looked into her sweet blue eyes. “You inspire me, Vero.” She sucked in a breath and he wanted to take her right there, but he’d respect her wishes. “I’m escorting you to dinner tonight. Seven o’clock.”

  She jerked back, lifting her chin. “What if I have other plans?”

  He tried to calm his heartbeat which had quickened in one second. Was this jealousy? “Cancel them.”

  She cocked her head sideways, studying him. “We’ll see.”

  He ignored her comment. “Bring an extra change of clothes, because you’re staying the night again. I leave in four days for Miami and I want every chance we can get to be together.”

  Her pointer finger reached up and circled the tattoo on his shoulder. “You’re leaving? For how long?”

  His hands trailed up her back and rubbed her neck under her long, dark hair. “I have a gig in Miami, but I’ll be back next week.” He whispered in her ear, “We have this connection, Vero. So, plan on the next four days together. Cancel your plans. Baby, you’ve got what I need. It’s happening.”

  She leaned into him, rubbing her cheek against his. “Okay. Tonight at seven.”

  He rubbed her bottom one last time and then scooted her off his lap. Grabbing her hand, he led her to the couch where her purse lay. “Give me your number and address.”

  After exchanging information, he pulled her to him, and his lips explored hers with a hungry wanting that had festered in his body since seeing her at the lounge last night. He wanted her to remember every moment while she experienced her regular routine and to anticipate their night together.

  When he let go, she smiled weakly. “You’re convincing, you know that?”

  “Good.” He grabbed her hand and walked her to the front of his apartment. Before opening the door, he rested his hand against the wall behind her head. “Tonight can’t come soon enough.”

  She searched his gaze and reached up to grab hold of the hand he held over his heart.

  “Hold on to that feeling you have right now, Vero. Remember it. There’ll be more tonight.” He opened the door and kissed her, and his fingers stroked her arm sensuously.

  “Bye,” she squeaked as she looked back one last time, then walked out with her head held high.

  Chapter Seven

  Veronica made it back to her apartment, changed, and headed to her brunch destination without another minute to spare. As the taxi rumbled down 52nd Street, her cell phone vibrated. Crap. Probably her mother. She didn’t like it when Veronica wasn’t prompt. Thanks to the regular traffic she’d be even later, and hell, she had to be honest with herself. Once she got home, she’d stood in the shower reliving the night’s events. Without realization, thirty minutes had passed before she was even dressed.

  Shaking her head out of the memory of Diego’s glorious body, she answered the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Veronica? Chloe told me about last night. Are you okay?” her friend Amanda shrilled across the line.

  “I’m fine. I got home a few minutes ago, and I’m heading to brunch with Mom.”

  Silence fell. “Wait. You stayed out all night? Do I want to know?”

  “Don’t give me that, Amanda. It’s not like I’ve never slept with a guy before.” The taxi driver eyed her in the mirror, so she turned her head and looked out the window at the passing pedestrians.

  Amanda sighed. “It’s not like you.”

  “I’ll tell you about it later. It’s the first Sunday of the month and I have my regular brunch with Mom. I get to hear about all the fabulous things my brother has done and why I haven’t found the right man yet.”

  “Oh, joy. But I mean it, Veronica. You need to tell me about this guy. Are you seeing him again?”

  “Yes. No. I mean, tonight. He’s taking me out tonight.” Great, the taxi driver seemed to be paying attention to her every word. “Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow at the office and I’ll tell you everything.”

  “Okay, but you have my cell number if you need me. Chloe and I will be there in a heartbeat.”

  “I’m far from needing to be saved.” The taxi arrived at the Metropolitan Café. “I’ve got to go. Talk later.” She hung up with a smile. She appreciated Amanda’s concern but, at the same time, triumph consumed her. Veronica almost never worried her friends. Her life was plain and boring. Finally, she had some excitement in the air.

  • • •

  “There you are, darling,” her mother chimed from the two-seater table. “You’re a little late.”

  Veronica rolled her eyes. “By only a few minutes.” She took her seat across from Helena, who wore black tailored slacks and her signature button-down shirt with matching cardigan. Her mom always mixed together the perfect ensemble—the forever flawless wife for her corporate husband.

  “Well, you look fantastic. Glowing, in fact.” Her mother reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Something’s happened. Tell me.”

  What the hell? Her mother could sense all that? She avoided eye contact and placed a napkin across her lap. “Nothing, Mom. I had a late night, in fact, so I’m surprised you say I’m glowing. I should be the opposite.”

  “Late night?” Her mom shook her head and tsked. “What did Chloe have you do this time?”

  Veronica laughed. Her mom had known Chloe since Veronica roomed with her in college. Many nights Chloe passed out at a frat house and Veronica had to call her mom for help. “You know me so well.” She opened the menu, but her mom pulled it down.

  “I already ordered for you, dear.” She pointed her finger. “You were late.”

  Veronica placed the menu aside and sighed, finally looking her mom in the eye as she sipped ice-cold water. “Chloe talked me into the most ridiculous speed dating thing.”

  She shouldn’t have uttered the D-word. Her mother’s eyes actually sparkled. Helena’s almost weekly spiel was that Veronica should find a perfect match so she could be a young grandmother to her daughter’s children.

  “Speed date? What is that? Did you find a gentleman?”

  Veronica explained the whole concept in short terms.

  “Only Chloe.” Her mom was interrupted by the waiter placing a platter full of waffles with whipped cream and strawberries in front of Veronica.

  “What is this?”

  Her mom patted her hand. “I only get to feed my daughter breakfast once a month, and I intend on feeding her well. Eat. Enjoy. Then you can do your Zamuba later.”

  “It’s Zumba, and I’ll have to do five hours of it to work this off.” She clenched her jaw—her mother could be infuriating at times, but she was still her mother. And sometimes it was nice to be taken care of. She had no man in her life to do it for her. Well, until now.

  Or was Diego in her life? A few nights didn’t commit them to anything. She still had much to learn about him. They were definitely compatible in the bedroom, but what about in other things? She hoped to find out tonight.

  “So, you didn’t answer. Did you meet a man?”

  She wasn’t ready to go into detail about her interaction with Diego. “According to the speed dating concept, you’re supposed to meet a few.”

  “I guess now’s a good time to tell you …” Her mom wiped her mouth with her napkin and propped her elbows on the table. “I know you don’t like when I do this, but he’s been adamant about wanting to take you out.”

  “Don’t tell me this has to do with David.” Her mom had been trying to set her up with a new associate at her father’s office. Veronica had ignored every effort because she wasn’t interested in stuffy, conservative types, no matter how much her persona screamed the opposite.

  “It’s only one date. It might lead to something”—her mom paused when Veronica huffed out a breath—“or not, but you at least owe the man a chance. He’s persistent.”

  “Mother. I’m not in
terested in him. You know when you meet someone and there’s that instant pull. It’s not there with him.”

  Her mother gave a knowing nod. “You’ve met someone. I can see it in your eyes. That radiance.” She reached across the table. “You don’t have to tell me about him ... yet. Feel that pull, darling. You deserve it.”

  Veronica smiled and broke off another piece of waffle, taking a bite so she wouldn’t have to answer. If her mother had any inkling of what happened last night, she would absolutely die. The fact that her mother unknowingly encouraged her to continue what she started with a sexy tattooed musician was humorous and liberating at the same time ̶ he wasn’t exactly the corporate husband her mother intended,

  “But I can’t cancel with David. Your father would kill me. You’ll have to sit through a free dinner and move on with life.”

  “Well, I’m glad to see who’s on top of your priority list.”

  And there was no way in hell she’d allow her mother to set her up again with some uninteresting stiff. David was a nice enough man, but not for her. How was she going to get out of this? Could she explain to her mother the truth, that she needed more in life, without insulting her? Her mother seemed happy with how her life turned out, married to her husband, two kids, a nice home in the suburbs, an estate, and all the earthly things she’d wanted. But Veronica wanted more. Spice … stimulation.

  There was no way she could tell her mother any of her true feelings. Not now, at least. And truth be told, probably never. Eventually, Veronica would have to go through with the expectations her family had laid on her since her youth.

  The defeat swallowed her up again as she took a huge bite of her waffle and watched her flawless mother chatter on about her brother, his family, and his new position as VP in her father’s company.

  Veronica endured the rest of breakfast, counting down the minutes until she could get home and rest up for another sensual night with her sexy Diego. That’s what kept her going. Knowing excitement waited around the corner. To hell with expectations and correctness. Like her mother said, she deserved it. For now.

  Chapter Eight

  The minute Veronica stepped out of her door, Diego’s heart stopped. Her tight black dress revealed every delicious curve and her tall midnight-black stilettos made her almost as tall as his six-foot-one frame. Maybe dinner wasn’t the best idea. They could head up to her place instead, but she deserved this night. He did take the time to plan it.

  He kissed her hand and held her out in front of him. “You’re gorgeous, Vero. Was this dress in your Macy’s storage?”

  Her cheeks blushed, showing the two sides of her that he found such a turn-on.

  “Uh, yes, and thank you.” She stepped forward, almost touching his chest with hers. Instead, she reached up and pulled at his jacket lapels. “You’re not too bad yourself.” She stretched up, only an inch, and her lips teased his for the briefest moment.

  “Mmm. You’re tempting me again, mujer.” He grabbed her hand, walked her to the edge of the sidewalk, and hailed a cab. “Later we can give in to temptation. For now, we have a full night planned.”

  She purred into his ear. “Can’t wait.” Her tongue darted out and licked his neck.

  And that was the reason he couldn’t stop dreaming about this woman. She already had an innate knowledge of what turned him on. He ran his finger down her cheek and smirked, but before he could say anything, the taxi honked.

  He opened the door like the gentleman his father taught him to be and escorted her inside. When he scooted close to her, he wrapped her fingers within his.

  He loved the way her eyes roamed his body, seducing him without saying a word. She squeezed his hand and glanced out the taxi window. “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He raised her fingers to his mouth and kissed them. “How was brunch with your mother?”

  She sighed, her breath falling on his chin. “The same as always. Full of questions and future plans.”

  “Her plans or yours?”

  She wiggled in her seat, her dress pulling an inch up her thighs. “Definitely hers. She rambled on about my brother and his family, how big my nephew has become, and why I haven’t added to her growing family. Truth be told, I have no idea about kids.” She rolled her eyes.

  Diego stiffened. “Really?”

  She nodded back at him, her eyes not meeting his but staring out the window instead.

  Shit. What did she mean? He scraped a hand through his hair and pasted on a smile. “You don’t like kids?”

  “Oh, no, I like kids, I just don’t know what to do with them. My brother rarely comes to the city, and when I see them at holidays, it’s all foreign to me. Changing diapers, feeding bottles. It’s crazy how much a child takes over your life.” She crinkled her nose.

  “Yeah, sounds like a job.”

  “My mother says it’s the best job in the world. I’m not quite ready for that responsibility. I mean, I haven’t met the right guy, you know, so I don’t even think about it.” She turned to face him. “Tell me about your mother. Your family.”

  He studied Veronica for a moment to gauge what she just revealed about herself. This was big … family was the most important thing to him and he eventually wanted a lot of children. He didn’t doubt she also loved her family, but what should he make about her other comments? Even though he was just getting to know her, he knew she was a caring person—and she’d be the same way with children. He still had a lot to learn about Vero and he was glad tonight was a starting point.

  But since she’d asked a question about his family, he happily answered, “You met Marco, my twin. We moved here together from Argentina and he manages my work.”

  “You’re from Argentina? Why didn’t I know that?” She touched her nose to his. “Speak to me in Spanish.”

  “Lo que quieras. Te encuentro muy atractiva.” He nipped her earlobe.

  “I don’t know what you said, but I’d do whatever you wanted right now.”

  Diego chuckled. “Tempting, but—” He looked out the window. “We’re almost there.”

  “Where are you taking me?”

  “I’m glad you like to hear Spanish, because we’re starting our night at a tapas restaurant.”

  “Oh, tapas! I love appetizers.”

  “It’s more than appetizers.” He raised his finger to graze her neck. “You’ll see.”

  The taxi parked in front of a quaint restaurant with the sign “Tapas España.” Diego pulled her out of the cab after paying and kept her fingers in his. He couldn’t stop touching her.

  Once inside, the owner sat them at a private table by a courtyard. Candles were lit all around them, throughout the garden, and along the path to the inside. Romance screamed from every corner—exactly what he wanted. Wining and dining added a whole new level for him tonight. He usually didn’t take it to this extreme, but Veronica deserved the attention, and he was ready to take a relationship to a new level.

  As if she knew his thoughts, she reached across the corner of the table and rubbed his arm. He was speechless for a second as he stared into her blue eyes—so blue against the black dress and dark sky.

  “Tell me more about your family. Are they still in Argentina?”

  “Yes. We have a cattle ranch there, and my father and mother work it nonstop. They barely make it here to visit. Marco and I go back maybe once a year, if that. We also have another brother, Rodrigo, who helps run the farm, and a little sister, Isabella, who’s in college.”

  “A big family.” She squeezed his fingers. “You’re lucky.”

  “I think so.” He ran his finger over the rim of his water glass. “Tell me about your family.”

  “Well, there’s my mom, who’s a huge part of my life. I’m her only little girl, so she’s practically planned everything for me since I could walk. My dad is busy with his investment company and has an office downtown in Manhattan. I don’t make it there very often. And my big brother, who’s six years older than me, married
and lives in Connecticut with his beautiful wife and son, white-picket fence, and golden retriever. A far cry from a big Argentinean family, but I love them.” She gulped her water down and sighed.

  “Why don’t you work for your dad?”

  “I wanted to be independent and studied … fashion, instead.”

  “Did your parents approve?”

  “Not at first, but they’ve come around.” She swished her hair over her shoulder and rested her chin on her hand. “Do you have a tattoo for your family?”

  He rubbed his jaw, letting his gaze search hers. He had dated women who had no relationship with their parents, and others who pretended to love children and big families. He was so tired of the phonies. He wanted real. Veronica was a nice change.

  He also appreciated the honesty Veronica revealed as she asked him questions. It wasn’t some half-assed way to get into his pants or try to win his heart. The interest was there. Loud and clear. “Yes. Here on my wrist. Straight to my bloodline.” He lifted the sleeve of his jacket. “It’s the infinity sign to signify my eternal relationship with them. No matter how far apart we are, we’re always bound together.”

  Her finger stroked the word familia printed outside the symbol.

  Shivers surged through his body. Luckily they sat at an intimate table, so he scooted his chair to be next to her and rubbed her neck. Then he reached over on the table to grab a green olive with a toothpick and fed her.

  She groaned as the taste of the olive hit her mouth, closing her eyes and smacking her lips. “Delicious.”

  “You are.” He picked up another for himself.

  The waiter delivered the sangrias and three platters.

  Veronica’s eyes lit up as she sipped her drink and emitted another of those purrs that hardened areas of him that shouldn’t be hard in a restaurant. “This is so good.” She observed the platters, squinting at the pinchos next to her. “Tell me what it is.”

  He picked up a skewer with succulent meat. “This one is pincho de chorizo. Try it.” He fed her a bite and again she moaned and her lashes fluttered against her tanned cheeks. Damn if it didn’t remind him of their early morning escapades at the loft. “And this is rollitos de jamón Serrano and, of course, we have tortillas Espanola—a potato omelet.”